[Sandman]

Thoughts from the U-18 Tournament, Part 3 (In no particular order):

RW Liam Greentree: I was a bit disappointed in his output, with only 4 points in 7 games, and looking invisible a lot of the time. 90 points in OHL play this season, and led his team in scoring by 24 points, so more was expected. Greentree is a top-tier offensive weapon, but his skating stride needs plenty of work for the next level. He's a dual threat, with an arsenal of hard, heavy shots, but he can also make high-end plays. Despite his skating, he can drive play, and displays superb stickhandling.

D Charlie Elick: I really like Elick, he's big (6'3",198lbs), skates very well, and plays a heavy physical game with an emphasis on his tight shutdown game. 3 points in 7 games doesn't exactly set the world on fire, but it demonstrates his ability to contribute in the other end of the rink. He's highly competitive, and hard to play against.

D Spencer Gill: Only 2 points in 7 games for Gill, although he wasn't picked for the team to be a points-producer. Gill is big (6'3",179lbs) and still quite young, with an August birthday. He can play in any situation, but he plays a calm, poised shutdown game with physicality, and quickness. 46 points in 65 games in the Q for Rimouski, which would put him 10th in scoring by defense in that league- showing that Gill can contribute to the offense.

D Frankie Marrelli: Marrelli makes mistakes, but I just love his competitive fire. He's a bit small, at 5'11",185lbs, but he plays like he's 6'3", with his tenacity and relentless physicality. He's extremely competitive and hard to play against, and is stronger and tougher than he looks. Marrelli can play in any situation, but didn't put up big numbers this year, focusing on playing a smart shutdown game- but he has much more in the tank. Marrelli had 2 points in 7 games in the tournament, with 29 PIM.

C Jett Luchanko: Luch had a great tournament with 7 points in 7 games for team Canada. He's a creator who manufactures chances for his teammates, and he skates as good as anyone in the tournament. His defense is spotty though, and he's not as effective without the puck.

RW Emil Hemming: I like him, but the Finns were not a very good team. Hemming is primarily a shooter, so his 4 goals (and 2 assists) in 5 games show that he was doing his job. He's a lethal shooter, but also has finish around the net. He skates well, but could use a better top gear, although he has the 1-on-1 moves to get around in traffic. He uses his size (6'2",194lbs) well as leverage to bully his way around, and battles in the hard areas, but I wonder about his pace.

RW Maxim Masse': Masse' finished with 5 points in 7 games, but had no points in the medal round- which wasn't really his fault, he was creating opportunities, but his linemates couldn't finish. Masse' is a power-winger, who can score and make plays, and displays excellent vision and IQ. His mobility needs some work, but he's physical and battles in all the greasy areas.

C Jack Berglund: 6'2",207lb Jack Berglund was very noticeable for Sweden, with his physical two-way game, and for his 5 points in 7 games. I thought he looked a lot faster than I've seen him in previous viewings, and he played with a lot of energy. He's a power-forward who goes to the front of the net, and will muck and grind for pucks.

D Harrison Brunicke: He's a 6'3" rearguard who skates very well, and contributes in all areas of the ice. 4 points in 7 games are very good numbers for this two-way defenseman, who right now is a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none- though I believe he has a lot more to show in the future. He can rush the puck, and make some high-end plays. Big fan of this kid.

D Tomas Galvas: The Czechs didn't generate much, with only 10 goals-scored in 5 games- and that hurt this diminutive defenseman's game. He's a dynamic skater, who can move the puck and create chances- which he did, to no avail.

D Jakub Fibigr: This kid is more of a two-way performer, and isn't elite in any one thing. 1 goal in 5 games, although he was pinching into the play looking for chances.

C Aatos Koivu: He was one of the biggest disappointments in the tournament, with only 1 assist in 5 games- although he was the best player in the event in faceoffs, at 74% in 50 tries. Other than that, he was invisible in every category, except for his feistiness and physicality. Koivu is physically raw, but skates very well, and has a blistering one-timer.

RW Kasper Pikkarainen: Only 1 goal in 5 games, but the 6'3",194lb power-forward impressed with his rambunctious physical game, and his mobility. Pikkarainen could make it to the NHL as a bottom-6 two-way player, as he displays plenty of defensive acumen, with good anticipation, and smart positioning.

D Viggo Gustafsson: Gus needs work on his skating, but he was really hard to play against, and was reliable defensively. He's a shutdown D, and is one of the best at his craft in this year's draft crop. I like his high-end awareness, and his nasty disposition combined with his physical presence. He seemed to be in the middle of most scrums in Sweden's games. When he fixes his mobility, he will be a seriously good player. I like him.

RW Karl Sterner: Only 1 point in the tournament, but the 6'3",187lb power-forward displayed his quick feet and his physicality, hitting everything in sight.